Diabetes is a common metabolic disease, and its incidence is increasing with the increase in global obesity. Because of this reason, the number of patients with diabetes who need laser vision correction is also increasing.
With increasing data on the safety and effectiveness of LASIK in patients with diabetes, now, there is sufficient evidence to say that LASIK is safe and efficacious consistently in diabetic patients with good blood sugar control and no systemic or ocular complications.
It is recommended that special attention needs to be given to certain factors, in addition to the standard LASIK pre-operative evaluation, when performing LASIK in patients with diabetes, which would be discussed with the patient by the operating surgeon.
Good Blood Sugar Control
Normal blood sugar levels for a few days before surgery are not sufficient for LASIK, and your doctor will want to check your blood glucose levels over at least two to three months.
It is best evaluated using a test called glycosylated hemoglobin or HbA1c levels. Your eye surgeon may also want a letter of clearance from your treating diabetologist stating that the diabetes is under control and being monitored.
Getting a Consultation
The best way for a person to know if he or she is a good candidate for eye surgery is to make an appointment with a LASIK surgeon and get a personal consultation. A surgeon will take one’s medical history into account, ask for other information and then decide which form of treatment is the best option.
Diabetes is no longer considered a contraindication for LASIK, and neither is it true that people with diabetes will invariably have complications after undergoing a LASIK.
In fact, if you have no diabetic retinopathy and your blood sugars are well controlled, you will probably be eligible for refractive surgery.
The only way for you to know if you are suitable for LASIK is by undergoing a complete eye evaluation with a competent eye surgeon. If your blood sugar levels are kept consistently under control through medication and sustained lifestyle changes,
LASIK is as safe for diabetics, as for the general population.
This post originally appeared on Marvelli Eye Center.
Comments